Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Antique 4 x 5 View Camera...but what kind?

In Cameras > Wood Cameras > Show & Tell.
Wood Cameras63 of 290Half Plate American Chamfered Box Daguerreotype Camera c. 1850Recently acquired
7
Love it
0
Like it

Camera_turkCamera_turk loves this.
SpiritBearSpiritBear loves this.
racer4fourracer4four loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
rniedermanrniederman loves this.
See 5 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    Sting
    (27 items)

    My dad had this for a long time. He said he didn't use it much because 5 x 7 is a real pain to find. I remember him saying it was a "Universal" but constructed by Linhof or Deardorf. It appears to be constructed of Cherry. There is a number on the focusing screen frame and the number 32 stamped a few other places. Nothing on the lens - it looks very clear. The bulb will still move the shutter. Can someone give me an idea as to who made it and under what circumstances? I know my dad attended photo recon school in Colorado Springs but they used 8 x 10s. The lack of a brand name got me thinking about a government contract.

    Mystery Solved
    logo
    Wood Cameras
    See all
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    1880's Rochester New Model Antique Wood Camera w/Orig. Glass Plate Holder & Case
    1880's Rochester New Model Antique ...
    $113
    Vintage Soviet USSR FKD 13*18 Wooden Large Format Camera
    Vintage Soviet USSR FKD 13*18 Woode...
    $295
    BOLEX H16 EL Camera RUN/STOP CABLE with ARRI ROSETTE Extension Handgrip
    BOLEX H16 EL Camera RUN/STOP CABLE ...
    $350
    logo
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Wood Replacement Cover
    Polaroid SX-70 Model 2 - Walnut Woo...
    $32
    See all

    Comments

    1. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      This is more than likely a "Rochester View" by the Rochester Optical Company (Rochester, NY). It dates to about 1900 to 1903 (or s0). A Packard shutter is probably behind the lens. Rochester made a "Universal"view camera but this isn't that model.
    2. Sting, 9 years ago
      Thank you!
      Was it common to leave off the brand names? I expected to at least find something on the lens.
    3. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      The maker's i.d. would have been nailed to the bottom of the front standard. I suspect if you look closely you will find two very small nail holes separated by a couple inches. In looking at your pictures, it appears there are groups of nail holes. These cameras were sometimes private labeled by 'jobbers'. I've seen many cameras that have lost their labels ... it unfortunately happens. Regardless, the overall design and brass hardware is definitely by the Rochester Optical Company.
    4. rniederman rniederman, 9 years ago
      Oh ... and lenses were often added to cameras. In other words, a lens name is not related to the camera. Companies such as Rochester sold these cameras with and without lenses. Pro photographers liked to spec their lenses. The lens on the camera is a Rapid Symmetrical design and appropriate for the camera.
    5. Sting, 9 years ago
      Thank you. I am posting another one.

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.